Bicyclists don’t have the same degree of physical protection as other motorists in Newnan, so it’s common for bicycle accidents to have serious consequences. If you were injured in a bike accident and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to financial recovery for the costs you now face. It’s in your best interest to contact a Newnan bicycle accident lawyer who can help.
Our bicycle accident attorneys have more than two decades of experience representing bike accident victims. We know what the at-fault driver’s insurance company is looking for to approve your claim, and we’re committed to getting you the fullest financial recovery possible. For a free consultation to speak with one of our lawyers as soon as possible, call us today at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form on this page to get started.
Five Steps to Take If You’re Hit By a Car on Your Bike
Getting hit while on your bike is a scary and painful experience. You might feel disoriented and confused right after the collision, but if you’re well enough to take the following steps, it can really help your case.
1. Call Police
In Georgia, you must report an accident if someone is injured or killed and/or there is property damage totaling more than $500. Your insurance company may also require you to report an accident. Call local police and tell them exactly what happened.
Officers may come to the scene. If they do, you might remind them that bikes have the same right to be on Newnan roads as other drivers. Be thorough in your report of what happened, but never apologize or admit any blame. And if you noticed the other driver acting suspiciously in any way, such as possible drunk driving, let officers know.
The details of this police report are important for your bicycle accident claim. The report will act as proof of the accident and may include notes from the responding officer about what happened.
2. Take Pictures
While you’re waiting for police arrive, gather evidence of the accident. Pictures can be really powerful for a personal injury accident case. Use your phone to photograph:
- Your injuries
- Any damage to your bicycle
- The whole accident scene
- The other driver’s vehicle and license plate
- Any suspicious behavior of the driver, if applicable
The appearance of injuries can change quickly, and an accident scene can be cleaned up, but pictures show exactly how everything looked right after the accident.
3. Talk to Witnesses
Many times, someone will see an accident happen. If there are witnesses around, don’t be afraid to talk with them and ask what they saw. Ask if they’d be willing to give a statement to police or at least provide their contact information so your attorney can reach out to them later.
4. See a Doctor
If you have injuries from a bicycle accident that are serious or life-threatening, this should be step number one. Never sacrifice your own well-being after an accident. If you’re worried about your injuries worsening quickly, seek medical treatment immediately.
If you are well enough to follow the steps above, make seeing a doctor your next priority. The insurance company will be looking for proof of the injuries you claim, so a doctor’s report is crucial evidence. Your doctor can also help set a treatment plan for your injuries so you’ll know roughly what your future expenses may be. You have the legal right as a victim to claim both current and future medical costs for your injuries from the accident.
5. Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
It’s possible to file a bicycle accident claim yourself, but we don’t recommend it. A bicycle accident lawyer is the best person to turn to during this time because they have spent many years working in personal injury law. They will know what’s important to include in your claim and how to compile the evidence in a convincing way.
Plus, insurance companies are less-than-willing to pay out the full worth of a claim. They will be looking for ways to cut costs and may deny your claim if it’s not strong enough. A good attorney will know how to handle this and work to negotiate a fair settlement for you.
On this same topic, we caution you to never accept the first offer from the insurer. They might try to lowball you with a lump sum of money that’s way less than your damages are worth. Or, they may call you and try to get you to admit blame or use anything you say against you later. Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer is the best way to protect yourself and ensure the law is on your side.
How Much Money Can I Recover in a Bicycle Accident in Newnan?
The exact amount your bicycle accident claim is worth depends on fault and your damages. If the other driver is completely at fault for the accident (which we find is usually the case when a car hits a bike) and you were injured, you are legally entitled to seek compensation for your costs.
Those costs, which are known as damages, may include:
- Medical expenses, including doctor visits, X-rays or other tests, surgeries, prescription medications, and more
- Long-term treatment costs like physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Repair or replacement costs for your bicycle
- Lost wages from time you had to take off work because of the accident and/or treatment
- Pain and suffering damages like mental anguish, anxiety, depression, or other physical or mental effects of the accident
If you lost a loved one because of a bicycle accident, you may be able to make a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased for the value of their life and what was lost.
Since every bicycle accident claim is different, the amount you can recover depends on the details of your accident. It also depends on whether or not you work with a lawyer who understands personal injury claims. With the right legal representation, you have a better chance of walking away from the accident without the burden of any costs.
Talk to a Newnan Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Free
Our bicycle accident attorneys have over 20 years of experience helping injury victims get the financial recovery they need from their accident. We know how painful it can be to see the medical bills adding up quickly, and we’re here to help cover your costs as fully as possible. For a FREE consultation with one of our attorneys, contact us today to get started. Call 404-800-7053, or fill out the form on this page today.
